Claims and Variations: Procedure CAP007M Contract Administration System (CAS) Manual

Claims and Variations
Procedure CAP007M

Contract Administration System
(CAS) Manual

March 2010

NOTE: This procedure does not provide contract law advice which is outside the scope of the
Contract Administration System Manual (CAS).
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Department of Transport and Main Roads Procedure - CAP007M
Contract Administration System Claims and Variations

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Procedure CAP007M
March 2010

Table of Contents
1 CLAIMS AND VARIATIONS................................................................................................. 1
1.1 Purpose.......................................................................................................................................................1
1.2 Scope..........................................................................................................................................................1
1.3 Definitions, Abbreviations and Acronyms...................................................................................................1
2 CLAIMS AND NOTICES....................................................................................................... 2
2.1 Referenced Clauses of General Conditions of Contract - Notices .............................................................2
2.2 General .......................................................................................................................................................2
2.3 Actions and Responsibilities.......................................................................................................................3
2.3.1 General...................................................................................................................................................3
2.3.2 The Contractor........................................................................................................................................3
2.3.3 The Superintendent................................................................................................................................3
2.3.4 The Principal...........................................................................................................................................4
3 VARIATIONS ........................................................................................................................ 4
3.1 General .......................................................................................................................................................4
3.2 Referenced Clauses of General Conditions of Contract - Variations .........................................................5
3.3.1 The Contractor........................................................................................................................................5
3.3.3 Principal..................................................................................................................................................7
4 LATENT CONDITIONS......................................................................................................... 7
4.1 General .......................................................................................................................................................7
4.2 Referenced Clauses of General Conditions of Contract Latent Conditions ............................................8
4.3.1 Preliminary..............................................................................................................................................8
4.3.2 The Contractor........................................................................................................................................8
4.3.3.1 Principal .........................................................................................................................................9
5 BREACH OF CONTRACT .................................................................................................. 10
5.1 Scope........................................................................................................................................................10
5.2 General .....................................................................................................................................................10
5.3 Referenced Clauses of General Conditions of Contract Breach of Contract........................................10
5.4 Actions and Responsibilities.....................................................................................................................10
5.4.1 The Principal.........................................................................................................................................10
5.4.2 The Superintendent..............................................................................................................................10
5.4.3 The Contractor......................................................................................................................................10
6 REFERENCE DOCUMENTS .............................................................................................. 11

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Procedure CAP007M
March 2010

1 CLAIMS AND VARIATIONS
1.1 Purpose
This procedure is to maintain consistency and compliance in executing the Superintendents functions under the
Contract. The Superintendent certifies all claims and variations under the Contract.
This procedure provides some guidance as the following types of claims and variations:
Claims and notices for:
o Payment (Progress Claim) Clause 42 Certificates and Payments, of the General Conditions of Contract;
o Extensions of Time for Practical Completion Clause 35.5 Extension of Time for Practical Completion, of
the General Conditions of Contract; and
o Substantial Breach of Contract Clause 44.2 Correction of Payment Certificates, of the General
Conditions of Contract.
Variations and Variation Orders Clause 40 Variations, of the General Conditions of Contract; and
Latent Conditions (as a particular case of a variation) Clause 12 Latent Conditions, of the General
Each component of a claim is addressed starting with the notice of a claim, particulars, timing (any time bars) and
assessment. Latent conditions and breach of contract will also be briefly discussed.
For details of a claim for an Extension of Time for Practical Completion (refer to Extension of Time for Practical
Completion (CAP008M)).
1.2 Scope
The scope of this procedure is to provide guidance for the Superintendent to receive, acknowledge, assess,
negotiate, determine and certify claims from the Contractor, and notify the Contractor as to any valuation or
determination and particularly to meet the time restrictions set out in such clauses as Clause 35.5 Extension of
Time for Practical Completion, of the General Conditions of Contract and Clause 46 Time for Notification of Claims
and Disputing Superintendents Direction, of the General Conditions of Contract.
The scope also includes the processes for the Superintendent to direct a variation without a claim being received
from the Contractor and as initiated from the Principal and agreed by the Superintendent (Notice of Proposed
Variation, Clause 40.2 Proposed Variation, of the General Conditions of Contract).
1.3 Definitions, Abbreviations and Acronyms

Abbreviation Description
C&S Contracts & Standards Branch (Engineering & Technology).
Contractor The person identified as the Contractor in the contract.
EOT Extension of Time.
GCoC General Conditions of Contract RCC.
PM Project Manager appointed by the Principal to manage the overall project of which the
RCC may be one of a number of separate contracts under the project.
Practical Completion That stage in the execution of the work under the Contract where the Works are able to
be handed over to the Principal.
Principal The Principal stated in the Annexure (state of Queensland acting through the
department).
Procedure - CAP007M Department of Transport and Main Roads
Claims and Variations Contract Administration System

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Procedure CAP007
March 2010

Progress Claim A claim for payment by the Contractor.
RCC Road Construction Contract.
Superintendent The person appointed as the Superintendent by the Principal.
VO Variation Orders.
2 CLAIMS AND NOTICES
2.1 Referenced Clauses of General Conditions of Contract - Notices
Clause 7 Service of Notices of the General Conditions of Contract provides information on what constitutes a
notice and how a notice should be served.
Clause 42 Certificates and Payments, of the General Conditions of Contract provides the basis for monthly
progress payment to the Contractor as a result of an assessed progress payment claim.
Clause 46 Time for Notification of Claims and Disputing Superintendents Directions, of the General Conditions of
Contract sets a general time limit of 28 days for lodging a claim.
Clauses 44.2 Default by the Contractor, of the General Conditions of Contract refers to substantial breaches of the
Contract by the Contractor and Clauses 44.7 Default of the Principal, of the General Conditions of Contract refers
to a substantial breach of Contract by the Principal.
Clause 47.1 Notice of Dispute, of the General Conditions of Contract refers to a dispute arising between the
Contractor and Principal out of or in connection with the Contract, including a dispute concerning a direction given
by the Superintendent, than either party shall deliver the notice of dispute to the other party and the
Superintendent.
2.2 General
The notice of claim for progress payment, variations, latent conditions and breach of contract, initiate the actions
which follow. All such claims must have a contractual basis and it is good practice for such claims to identify the
relevant clause under the Contract upon which it is submitted. As such, the notice must comply with the
requirements of the Contract. A failure to comply may mean the claim may be rejected.
A claim refers to any claim proposed by the Contractor or given under or in relation to the Contract. Clause 46.1
Contractors Prescribed Notice, of the General Conditions of Contract defines such a claim as a prescribed notice
- a notice in writing which must be endorsed Prescribed Notice under Clause 46.1.
The Superintendent may also issue a prescribed notice under Clause 46.2 Time for Disputing Superintendents
Decisions, of the General Conditions of Contract with respect to a certificate, valuation or determination given by
the Superintendent.
There are several types of claims, including:
1. Claims for payment a Contractors monthly payment claim, known also as a progress claim, Clause 42 -
Certificates and Payments of the General Conditions of Contract, Refer to Progress Claims and Payments
(CAP009M);
2. Claims for variations a claim resulting from a change in the scope of work, Clause 40 Variations, of the
General Conditions of Contract;
3. Claims for Extension of Time for Practical Completion claims under the Clause 35.5 Extension of Time for
Practical Completion, of the General Conditions of Contract, Extension of Time (CAP008M); and
4. Claims for breach of contract or other reasons a claim resulting from a breach of any contract provision.
The management of payment claims by the Contractor on the Principal under the Building and Construction
Industries Payment Act are a special matter and are discussed in Progress Claims and Payments (CAP009M).
Any notice of dispute under Clauses 47 Dispute Resolution, of the General Conditions of Contract needs special
attention and shall be referred to the Superintendent in all circumstances.
A notice of breach of contract under Clause 44, Default or Insolvency, of the General Conditions of Contract is
generally regarded as a failure of one party to fulfil obligation or keep a promise which is contained in the Contract.

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A substantial breach of contract can lead to a termination of the Contract and possible lengthy and costly
disputation.
2.3 Actions and Responsibilities
2.3.1 General
Because of the high risk involved in a claim that may lead to a claim for breach of contract, it must be treated very
seriously and the Superintendent should immediately refer the matter to the Contracts and Standards Branch for
specialist advice.
For the pre-start conference, the agenda (Pre-Start Conference Agenda/Minutes (CAF003M)) includes an item
where all aspects of claims are discussed, clarified, understood and agreed between the Contractor and the
Superintendent. This should include the process, specific actions, use of specific forms, due dates and timing,
details of supporting information, adequate joint recording where required, etc so as to arrive at a common
understanding with the Contractor.
2.3.2 The Contractor
The Contractor should at all times apply principles of good relationship management and immediately consult with
the Superintendent about any situation which may lead to a potential claim.
The Principal shall not be liable for any other claim by the Contractor unless the Contractor has given, within 28
days after the first day upon which the Contractor could reasonably have been aware of the situation, to the
Superintendent a prescribed notice under Clause 46.1 Contractors Prescribed Notice, of the General Conditions of
Contract. The notice must be endorsed as Prescribed Notice under Clause 46.1 and contain all of the required
particulars.
The Contractor should give to the Superintendent a prescribed notice under Clause 46.1 Contractors Prescribed
Notice, of the General Conditions of Contract if it is to avoid the liability bar of Clause 46.1 Contractors Prescribed
Notice, of the General Conditions of Contract.
The Contractor is to receive a determination notice in writing endorsed Superintendents Notice under Clause
46.2 from the Superintendent.
The Contractor has 28 days from the receipt of the Superintendents notice to give a further notice of dispute in
accordance with Clause 47.1 Notice of Dispute, of the General Conditions of Contract; otherwise the determination
of the Superintendent will be final and binding upon the parties and not subject to dispute notwithstanding Clause
47 Dispute Resolution, of the General Conditions of Contract.
The Contractor is to comply at all times with any other notice or contract provisions irrespective of giving a
prescribed notice under Clause 46.1 Contractors Prescribed Notice, of the General Conditions of Contract or
receiving the Superintendents determination under the Clause 46.2 Time for Disputing Superintendents Decision,
of the General Conditions of Contract. This means the Contractor cannot stop work because there is a dispute
with the Principal or the Superintendent.
2.3.3 The Superintendent
The Superintendent shall maintain a position to be able to identify any situation which may lead to a potential
claim. This is the result of good surveillance and monitoring by the field staff and good partnering processes being
implemented with the Contractor.
The Superintendent shall use Claims Analysis Worksheet (CAF025M) to analyse situations for potential claims, to
determine the potential claim type and to follow a relevant procedure.
The Superintendent shall complete details of any situation which may lead to a claim including confirmation and
details of any aspect that the Contractor should have been reasonably aware.
The Superintendent shall discuss and/or negotiate, as required, with the Contractor and the Principal so as to
determine the best possible outcome to address the situation which may have lead to a claim or potential claim.
The Superintendent upon receiving a claim from the Contractor under Clause 46.1 Contractors Prescribed Notice
of the General Conditions of Contract, shall confirm that the claim meets the requirements of the clause.
Is endorsed Prescribed Notice under Clause 46.1;
Is given within 28 days after the first day upon which the Contractor could reasonably have been aware of
the situation;

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Does not fit under an exempt category (Clause 46.1: A,B,C or D Time for Disputing Superintendents
Decisions, of the General Conditions of Contract); and
Includes all the required particulars.
The Superintendent shall analyse the claim using the Claims Analysis Worksheet (CAF025M).
The Superintendents prescribed notice given under Clause 46.2 Time for Disputing Superintendents Decision, of
the General Conditions of Contract shall:
Be in writing and endorsed Superintendents Notice under Clause 46.2;
Be given to the Principal and the Contractor;
Identify the certificate, valuation or determination to which it relates; and
State that the certificate, valuation or determination will be final and biding upon the parties and not subject
to dispute unless either party, within 28 days after receiving the Superintendents notice, gives a notice of
dispute in accordance with Clause 47.1 Notice of Dispute, of the General Conditions of Contract disputing
the certificate, valuation or determination.
2.3.4 The Principal
The Principal shall be liable for any claim which satisfies requirements of the Clause 46.1 Contractors
Prescribed Notice, of the General Conditions of Contract.
The Principal shall receive a prescribed notice from the Superintendent under Clause 46.2 Time for
Disputing Superintendents Decision, of the General Conditions of Contract.
The Principal shall not be liable for the Superintendents decisions given under the Clause 46.2 Time for
Disputing Superintendents Decision, of the General Conditions of Contract unless the Principal, within 28
days after receiving the Superintendents notice, gives a notice of dispute according to the Clause 47.1
Notice of Dispute, of the General Conditions of Contract.
It is important to note that a decision by the Superintendent under the Contract is a separate issue to the costs
which the decision may cause. This is because the Superintendent must remain neutral when making decisions
under the Contract. The costs are an issue for the Principal to address. The Superintendent also has a duty to the
Principal under the Contract to keep the Principal informed, through the Project Manager, of the estimated costs of
any Variation Order likely to be issued by the Superintendent. The Principal has the right under the Contract to
mitigate cost overruns and may choose, to amend the design and negotiate an outcome with the Contractor to
minimise the contract costs.
3 VARIATIONS
3.1 General
A variation under the Contract may include a change to the scope of works, materials, design, additional work or
removal of work no longer required. Proposed variations are evaluated and if accepted by the Superintendent,
their impact on the Contract is defined, quantified, priced and the determination notified to the Contractor and the
Principal.
The Contract binds the Contractor to execute variations as directed by the Superintendent if the variation is within
the scope of the Contract. Works outside the Contract may occur but the agreement of the Principal and the
Contractor to carry out the works is first required.
The Contractor can be entitled to be compensated for costs for preparing the details of a variation under some
circumstances (Clause 40.2 Proposed Variations, of the General Conditions of Contract).
The actions are listed in order of chronological precedence based on a generic case but could actually occur at any
time during the currency of the contract.
In the event that a process was not agreed with the Contractor at the pre-start conference, the Superintendent
should negotiate with the Contractor and Principal to jointly agree, without prejudice to either party, the quantum
(time for plant and labour and quantities of materials potentially involved) of a proposed variation. This should be
agreed to before commencement of the variation so as to avoid arguments later on. Should a variation be directed
to be undertaken before agreement is reached (due to a requirement to undertake before a certain date) then
accurate records should be taken of all activities in regards to the variation.

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Procedure CAP007M
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3.2 Referenced Clauses of General Conditions of Contract - Variations
The actions defined in this procedure are dictated by the relevant clauses of the Contract.
Clause 40 Variations of the General Conditions of Contract sets out procedures and responsibilities on how to deal
and value variations under the Contract.
Several other clauses of the Contract provide for the Superintendent to issue or direct a variation or value
additional work in relation to Clause 40 Variations of the General Conditions of Contract, including:
Under Clause 14.1 Complying with Statutory Requirements, of the General Conditions of Contract resulting
from compliance with statutory requirements (changes to legislation, not existing as at the time of first calling
for tenders);
Under Clause 16.2 Reinstatement, of the General Conditions of Contract for rectification of losses or
damage caused by an excepted risk as defined under Clause 16.3 Excepted Risks, of the General
Conditions of Contract;
Under Clause 28.3 Errors in Setting Out, of the General Conditions of Contract for the Contractors cost of
rectifying an error caused by incorrect survey marks provided by the Superintendent;
Under Clause 30.4 Variations due to Defective Materials or Work, of the General Conditions of Contract for
variations caused by defective materials or work;
Under Clause 33.1 (paragraph 6) Superintendent may Order Test, of the General Conditions of Contract for
more or less cost to the Contractor resulting from the Superintendents direction to vary a rate of progress; or
Under Clause 35.5 Extension of Time for Practical Completion, of the General Conditions of Contract for
Extension of Time for Practical Completion caused by an act of omission of the Principal.
Clause 47 Dispute Resolution, of the General Conditions of Contract relates to disputes notified by either the
Principal or the Contractor, including directions given by the Superintendent.
Clause 41 Dayworks, of the General Conditions of Contract details the requirements when quantities greater than
the order of accuracy are exceeded (Clause 3.2 Payment on Schedule of Rates Basis, of the General Conditions
of Contract) or variations are ordered as Dayworks.
The timely treatment of variations is important. The time periods for responses by the Superintendent and the
Contractor are a critical part of effective management of variations.
It is particularly important for the Superintendent to be prompt in their responsibilities remembering that sometimes
a perfect decision made late is less effective than one made in time but not with complete knowledge. Late
decisions inevitably lead to further claims for time and/or costs and delay (Clause 36 Delay or Disruption Costs, of
the General Conditions of Contract). There may be an opportunity to make changes and adjustments later, after
further information becomes available.
Where the variation results in an Extension of Time for Practical Completion the Contractor must be encouraged to
provide a response at the same time as the costs are derived.
Where there is a time component to a cost variation, it is highly advantageous to resolve these at the same time to
minimise the potential for further claims.
The Superintendent and the Contractor should resolve to settle outstanding variations throughout the Contract
whilst the details are fresh in both parties minds rather than at the end of the Contract. It is recommended that
variations (including Extensions of Time for Practical Completion) should be discussed at claim specific meetings
to focus attention on the purpose of the meeting. The progress or blockages should be reported at the monthly
conferences for which the minutes are circulated through the Project Manager to the Principal.
The Contractor shall not vary the work under the Contract except as directed by the Superintendent or approved in
writing by the Superintendent under Clause 40 Variations, of the General Conditions of Contract.

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Procedure CAP007
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The Contractor may request the Superintendent to approve a variation for the convenience of the Contractor.
Such approval is at the Superintendents discretion and may be conditional. In assessing such an application, the
Superintendent needs to be aware of the Principals rights under the Contract and the consequences of who
should benefit from the savings from such a variation.
The Contractor shall receive a notice in writing from the Superintendent advising the Contractor of a proposed
variation under Clause 40 Variations, of the General Conditions of Contract. This relates to a variation proposed
by the Principal.
The Contractor, if directed by the Superintendent under Clause 41 Daywork, of the General Conditions of Contract
is required to carry out variation works and receive payment as Daywork, after the work is complete.
The Contractor shall evaluate the proposed variation and if it appears to constitute a breach of contract, the
Contractor, within 28 days after the first day upon which the Contractor could be reasonably aware of the breach,
to issue a prescribed notice under Clause 46.1 Contractors Prescribed Notice, of the General Conditions of
Contract to the Superintendent.
The Contractor shall evaluate the proposed variation and advise the Superintendent in writing if the proposed
variation can be effected; and
To advise the anticipated effect of the variation on the construction program and time for Practical Completion;
and
To provide an estimate of costs (including delay costs, if any) of the proposed variation.
The Contractor shall provide, if specified and directed by the Superintendent, further detailed quotation for the
variation within a requested time frame.
The Contractor shall negotiate in a good faith and without delay to arrive at an agreement on the scope of
variation, its effects on construction program and time and estimated costs of the proposed variations.
The Contractor upon receiving a valuation from the Superintendent, for the proposed variation works under Clause
40.5 and supported by the notice under Clause 46.2 Time for Disputing Superintendents Decisions, of the General
Conditions of Contract, shall decide within 28 days after receiving the Superintendents notice to:
Accept the Superintendent's valuation; or
Reject the Superintendents valuation and to give a notice of dispute in accordance with Clause 47.1 Notice of
Dispute, of the General Conditions of Contract disputing the valuation.
The Contractor shall include costs of preparing the evaluation and estimate of the proposed variation and the cost
of executed variation works in the next monthly payment claim.
The Superintendent shall receive the Principals details of a proposed variation and a direction in writing to proceed
with implementation of the variation.
The Superintendent shall determine a need for a variation, to define variation scope and to issue a notice in writing
advising the Principal of the proposed variation.
The Superintendent shall determine a need for a variation, to define variation scope and to issue a notice in writing
advising the Contractor of a proposed variation under Clause 40 Variations, of the General Conditions of Contract.
The Superintendent will request the Contractor to provide details on the effects of the proposed variations on the
construction program and timing and a cost estimate required to be provided by the Contractor and timing for the
Contractors reply.
The Superintendent, upon receiving a request from the Contractor for a variation, shall determine if the proposed
variation constitutes a breach of contract and if it complies with Clause 46.1 Contractors Prescribed Notice, of
General Conditions of Contract.
The Superintendent, upon receiving a request from the Contractor for a variation, shall determine if the proposed
variation is for the Contractors convenience, and if so, to make a determination under Clause 40.4 Variations for
the Convenience of the Contractor, of the General Conditions of Contract, otherwise make a determination under
Clause 40.1 Variations to the Work, of the General Conditions of Contract.
The Superintendent may decide that the variations directed under Clause 40.1 Variations to the Work, of the
General Conditions of Contract are carried out and paid as Daywork under Clause 41 Daywork, of the General

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Procedure CAP007M
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The Superintendent should register the variation in the Variation Register (CAF026M).
When the Superintendent receives the Contractors prescribed notice under Clause 46.1 Contractors Prescribed
Notice, of the General Conditions of Contract alleging that the proposed variation is a breach of contract, they shall
first establish if the notice was served within 28 days after the first day the Contractor could reasonably have been
aware of the breach and immediately consider re-evaluating proposed variation and re-negotiating with the
Contractor, whatever the case might be.
The Superintendent shall receive advice from the Contractor:
If the proposed variation can be effected:
Of the anticipated effect of the variation on construction program and time for Practical Completion; and
Of the estimate of costs (including delay costs, if any) of the proposed variation.
The Superintendent, if in agreement with the details and estimate provided by the Contractor, shall issue an
acceptance notice in writing to the Contractor and the Principal and to direct the Contractor to execute variation
works. Otherwise the Superintendent may request the Contractor to provide a detailed quotation for the work of a
variation supported by measurements or other evidence of cost.
The Superintendent, in case no agreement on price for the proposed valuation is reached between the Contractor
and the Superintendent, shall value the proposed variation and issue a valuation notice to the Contractor and the
Principal under Clause 40.5 Valuation, of the General Conditions of Contract and to consider endorsing such
notice as a notice under Clause 46.2 Time for Disputing Superintendents Decision, of the General Conditions of
Contract.
The Superintendent, upon the agreement on the valuation of the proposed variation or upon issuing a valuation
under Clause 40.5 Valuation, of the General Conditions of Contract, shall direct the Contractor to proceed with the
variation works as agreed and specified.
The Superintendent shall ensure that the costing details of the approved and executed variation works are included
on the Contractors monthly payment claim.
The Superintendent should include the details approved and executed variation works on the following contract
administration forms:
Payment Certificate (Form C6880);
Payment Schedule Summary (Form C6883);
Rise and Fall Summary (Form C6884);
Summary of Directed Variations of Scheduled Items Excluding Daywork (Form C6887A);
Summary of Directed Variations on Non Scheduled Items - Excluding Daywork (Form C6887B);
Summary of Claims (Form C6889).
3.3.3 Principal
The Principal shall provide the Superintendent with the details of any proposed variations and request the
Superintendent to proceed with the implementation of the proposed variation.
The Principal shall receive the details of the proposed variation from the Superintendent and approve or
disapprove the proposed variation.
The Principal shall pay the costs of approved and executed variation works as certified by the Superintendent and
invoiced by the Contractor.
4 LATENT CONDITIONS
4.1 General
Latent Conditions are:
a) Physical conditions of the Site or its surroundings, including artificial things but excluding weather conditions,
which differ materially from the physical conditions which should reasonably have been anticipated by a
competent and experienced Contractor at the time of the Contractors tender if such a Contractor had:

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i) Examined all information made available by the Principal to the Contractor for the purpose of
tendering; and
ii) Examined all information relevant to the risks, contingencies and other circumstances, having an
effect on the tender and obtainable by the making of reasonable inquiries; and
iii) Inspected the Site and its surroundings; and
b) Any other conditions which the Contract specifies to be Latent Conditions.
4.2 Referenced Clauses of General Conditions of Contract Latent Conditions
Clause 12 Latent Conditions, of the General Conditions of Contract refers to:
What constitutes a latent condition;
Sets requirements for the Contractor on how to address a latent condition encountered; and
Provides for an Extension of Time for Practical Completion and compensation for extra cost in case a latent
condition is encountered and proven to be a Latent Condition.
Clause 35.5 Extension of time to Practical Completion, of the General Conditions of Contract;
Clause 40.5 Valuation, of the General Conditions of Contract.
4.3.1 Preliminary
Latent conditions can be one of the most difficult types of variation to deal with, as the Contractor and the
Superintendent can often lock themselves into their respective positions.
Proactive contract administration through a cooperative partnering approach can often lead to defining matters
agreed by both parties, matters which are subject to agreement and matters which cannot be agreed. Reference
to other specialists such as engineering geologists and experienced engineering staff external to the Contract may
bring another perspective to the claim to allow the issues to be negotiated and resolved.
The Contractor should at all times apply principles of good relationship management and immediately consult with
the Superintendent any situation which may lead to a potential claim.
The Contractor is to verify that at the time of tender they had:
Examined all information made available by the Principal to the Contractor for the purpose of tendering;
Examined all information relevant to the risks, contingencies and other circumstances, having effect on the
tender and obtainable by the making of reasonable inquiries; and
Inspected the Site and its surroundings.
If the Contractor becomes aware of a latent condition, the Contractor must not disturb the latent condition any
further and give, without a delay, a written notice to the Superintendent endorsed Contractors Notice under
Clause 12.2
The Contractor, if requested by the Superintendent, must provide in writing the following information to the
Superintendent:
The latent condition encountered and in what aspects it differs materially from physical conditions which should
reasonably have been anticipated;
The additional work and additional resources which the Contractor estimates to be necessary to deal with the
latent condition;
The time the Contractor anticipates will be required to deal with the latent condition and the expected delay in
achieving Practical Completion;
The Contractors estimate of the cost of the measures necessary to deal with the latent condition; and

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Other details reasonably required by the Superintendent which may include:
Exact day, time and circumstances the latent condition was encountered; and
Date by which information needs to be provided.
The Contractor may give a claim for the Extension of Time for Practical Completion caused by the latent condition
according to Clause 35.5 Extension of Time for Practical Completion, of the General Conditions of Contract.
The Contractor may give a claim for extra costs caused by the latent condition according to Clause 40.5 Valuation,
of the General Conditions of Contract.
The Contractor can not claim any additional costs related to the latent conditions if the related expense occurred
more than 14 days before the date on which the Contractor gives the written notice under Clause 12.2 Notification,
of the General Conditions of Contract.
The Superintendent is to maintain a position to be able to identify any situation which may lead to a potential claim,
latent condition or otherwise, from the Contractor.
The Superintendent receives the latent condition claim in writing from the Contractor endorsed Contractors Notice
under Clause 12.2.
The Superintendent informs and seeks clarification on the claim with the Principal only on the basis of confirming
evidence and matters relating to the claim.
The Superintendent analyses the claim and determines if:
The claim is duly endorsed and satisfies the Contract notice requirements;
The latent condition referred to in the claim is a valid one; and
The claim contains all the information to allow the Superintendent to understand the claim and to allow
assessment.
The Superintendent may ask the Contractor in writing to provide additional specific information in relation to the
claim and within specific time.
The Superintendent assesses all available and requested information to determine whether the Contractor could
reasonably have been aware or should be expected to have been aware about the latent condition at the time of
tendering.
The Superintendent assesses all available and requested information to determine whether the Principal should
have been reasonably aware about the condition and should have been expected to provide the relevant
information to the Contractor in the tender documentation.
The Superintendent makes a determination about the Contractors claim for the latent condition and advises the
Contractor in writing about the Superintendents determination.
The Superintendent provides a copy of the Superintendents determination to the Principal.
The Superintendent gives notice under Clause 46.2 Time for Disputing Superintendents Decisions, of the General
Conditions of Contract together with the Superintendents determination of the Contractors claim for the latent
condition.
The Superintendent assesses the Contractors claim for an Extension of Time for Practical Completion and
additional expenses. Refer to Extension of Time for Practical Completion (CAP008M).
4.3.3.1 Principal
The Principal should provide any information requested by the Superintendent to allow the assessment of the claim
to proceed.
The Principal receives a copy of the Superintendents determination.
The Principal reviews the determination to decide whether there is agreement with the outcome or whether the
Principal should appeal the determination. If an appeal is made, then the Principal disputes the determination
under Clause 47 Dispute Resolution, of the General Conditions of Contract.

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The Principal pays the Contractor the additional costs resulting from the latent condition as determined by the
Superintendent.
5 BREACH OF CONTRACT
5.1 Scope
Breach of contract clauses are referred to Clause 44 Default and Insolvency, of the General Conditions of Contract
and in general there is a requirement for either the Principal or the Contractor to show cause.
The Principal should always seek advice from Contracts and Standards Branch in such circumstances of
contemplating issuing such a show cause notice upon the Contractor.
While the Contract does not require such show cause notices to be issued to the Superintendent it is wise for the
Superintendent to be alert to the circumstances that may predicate such action.
5.2 General
Any claim for breach of contract needs special attention. A breach of contract is defined as the failure of one party
to fulfil an obligation under the Contract. A breach of contract can be minor and of little consequence. However a
substantial breach of contract can lead to a termination of the Contract by either party depending on the
circumstances of the breach.
5.3 Referenced Clauses of General Conditions of Contract Breach of Contract
Because of the potentially serious consequences each show cause should be dealt with expeditiously by the
Principal or the Contractor (as the case may be) and within the time periods detailed in Clause 44 Default or
Insolvency, of the General Conditions of Contract.
5.4.1 The Principal
If the Contractor commits a substantial breach and the Principal considers that damages may not be an adequate
remedy, the Principal may give the Contractor a written notice to show cause.
There are a range of actions that are considered a substantial breach by the Contractor (Clause 44.2 Default by
the Contractor, of the General Conditions of Contract).
The notice must include the requirements of Clause 44.3 Requirements of a Notice by the Principal to Show
Cause, of the General Conditions of Contract including the time and date by which the Contractor must reply. In
addition, there are certain rights of the Principal, which should the Contractor fail to show reasonable cause,
including:
Taking over the remaining work;
Terminating the Contract; or
Suspending payment (in certain circumstances).
In the circumstances of the Principal issuing a show cause notice upon the Contractor and if the Contractor fails
to show reasonable cause and the Principal either takes over the remaining work or terminates the Contract the
Superintendent is required to ascertain the cost incurred by the Principal in completing such work (Clause 44.6
Adjustment on Completion of the Work Taken Out of the Hands of the Contractors, of the General Conditions of
Contract).
If the Principal commits a substantial breach and the Contractor considers that damages may not be adequate
remedy the Contractor may give the Principal a written notice to show cause.
There are a range of actions that are considered a substantial breach by the Principal (Clause 44.7 Default of the
Principal, of the General Conditions of Contract).
The notice must include the requirements of Clause 44.8 Requirements of a Notice by the Contractor to Show
Cause, of the General Conditions of Contract including the time and date by which the Principal must reply.

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Procedure CAP007M
March 2010

If the Principal fails to show reasonable cause then the Contractor may suspend the whole or part of the works
under the Contract.
The Contractor shall lift the suspension upon the Principal remedying the breach, or if the breach is incapable of
being remedied or the Principal fails to make other arrangements to the reasonable satisfaction of the Contractor,
the Contractor may by notice, terminate the Contract.
6 REFERENCE DOCUMENTS
Claims Analysis Worksheet (CAF025M)
Clause 12 Latent Conditions, of the General Conditions of Contract
Clause 12.2 Notification, of the General Conditions of Contract
Clause 14.1 Complying with Statutory Requirements, of the General Conditions of Contract
Clause 16.2 Reinstatement, of the General Conditions of Contract
Clause 16.3 Excepted Risks, of the General Conditions of Contract
Clause 28.3 Errors in Setting Out, of the General Conditions of Contract
Clause 3.2 Payment on Schedule of Rates Basis, of the General Conditions of Contract
Clause 30.4 Variations due to Defective Materials or Work, of the General Conditions of Contract
Clause 33.1 Superintendent May Order Tests, of the General Conditions of Contract
Clause 35.5 Extension of Time for Practical Completion, of the General Conditions of Contract
Clause 36 Delay or Disruption Costs, of the General Conditions of Contract
Clause 40 Variations, of the General Conditions of Contract
Clause 40.2 Proposed Variations, of the General Conditions of Contract
Clause 40.4 Variations for the Convenience of the Contractor, of the General Conditions of Contract
Clause 40.5 Valuation, of the General Conditions of the Contract
Clause 41 Dayworks, of the General Conditions of Contract
Clause 42 Certificates and Payments, of the General Conditions of Contract
Clause 44 Default or Insolvency, of the General Conditions of Contract
Clause 44.2 Correction of Payment Certificates, of the General Conditions of Contract
Clause 44.3 Requirements of a Notice by the Principal to Show Cause, of the General Conditions of Contract
Clause 44.6 Adjustment on Completion of the Work Taken Out of the Hands of the Contractor, of the General
Conditions of Contract
Clause 44.7 Default of the Principal, of the General Conditions of Contract
Clause 44.8 Requirements of a Notice by the Contractor to Show Cause, of the General Conditions of Contract
Clause 46 Time for Notification of Claims and Disputing Superintendents Direction, of the General Conditions of
Contract
Clause 46.1 Contractors Prescribed Notice, of the General Conditions of Contract
Clause 46.2 Time for Disputing Superintendents Decisions, of the General Conditions of Contract
Clause 47 Dispute Resolution, of the General Conditions of Contract
Clause 47.1 Notice of Dispute, of the General Conditions of Contract
Clause 7 Service of Notices, of the General Conditions of Contract
Extension of Time for Practical Completion (CAP008M)
Payment Certificate (Form C6880)

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Procedure CAP007
March 2010

Payment Schedule Summary (Form C6883)
Pre-Start Conference Agenda/Minutes (CAF003M)
Progress Claims and Payments (CAP009M)
Rise and Fall Summary (Form C6884)
Summary of Claims (Form C6889)
Summary of Directed Variations of Scheduled Items - Excluding Daywork (Form C6887A)
Summary of Directed Variations on Non Scheduled Items - Excluding Daywork (Form C6887B)
Variations Register (CAF026M)

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